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Obie Wilchcombe
Bahamian politician (1959 - 2023) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Obediah (Obie) Hercules Wilchcombe (14 November 1958 - 25 September 2023) was a Bahamian journalist, politician, and Cabinet Minister.
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Early life and education
Wilchcombe was born in Grand Bahama on 14 November 1958,[1][2] the son of Jackson and Mary (née Arthur) Wilchcombe.[3] He attended Queen's College high school in Nassau, Bahamas.
Career
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Journalism
Wilchcombe began his career in 1975 when he joined the Broadcasting Corporation of the Bahamas as a journalist.[1]
He became a nationally-known journalist, rising through the ranks to hold senior positions, serving as Deputy Director of News, News Director, and from 1990 as Assistant General Manager.[1] He worked for the network for 25 years.[1]
At one point, he was jailed for contempt when he refused to reveal a source to the Court.[1]
Politics
Wilchcombe was appointed to the Senate of the Bahamas in 1994.[4] In 1995, he became Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).[4]
In 2002, Wilchcombe was first elected to office as the Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini.[5] He served as Minister of Tourism in two Christie governments.[6] During his ministry, the country saw a record rise in tourists and tourist dollars and four new airline partnerships.[4]
In 2004, he survived Hurricane Frances reportedly saved many people.[7] In 2017, Wilchcombe lost his seat but he was re-elected in 2021.[1] He served as the Minister of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting from 2021 until his death in 2023.[1][8]
Controversies
Wilchcombe was a close friend of John Travolta and Kelly Preston, and was accused of extortion following their son's death in the Bahamas in 2009.[9]
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, Wilchcombe expressed his desire for the nation to reject the British monarchy.[10]
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Death
Wilchcombe died on 25 September 2023 in Grand Bahama.[1] He was 64.[1] He became only the third Minister to die in office in the Bahamas in the 50 years since Independence.[11] A by-election was held for his vacated seat, which was won by successor, Kingsley Smith.[12][13]
References
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